Grounds Equipment Operator

SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY - UNIVERSITY EYE CENTER; Conway, Northern (AR, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

80% tuition waivers for employees and

12 official holidays

Immediate leave accrual

Retirement program with 10% employer

Health and wellness incentives

Access to campus activities for family

Free gym membership

Equipment rentals

Job summary

University of Central Arkansas is seeking a Grounds Equipment Operator to manage and operate light grounds equipment and perform routine maintenance on vehicles and tools. The role involves mowing, trimming, pruning, and facility grounds upkeep, with attention to safety and accurate scheduling.

The position requires one year of equipment operation experience, the ability to read directions, and a strong teamwork ethic in a dynamic campus environment.

Qualifications

• One year of experience operating, adjusting, and maintaining equipment.
• Ability to read and follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to maintain simple operation and maintenance records.

Responsibilities

• Operates grounds equipment including tractors, mowers, weed eaters, edges, chainsaws, blowers, trimmers, and more.
• Maintains and services equipment; performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Performs groundskeeping tasks such as mowing, trimming shrubs, pruning trees, and litter removal.
• Transports people and equipment as needed; assists other trades as required.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Equipment maintenance

Manual dexterity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year equipment operation experience

Tools

Tractors

Mowers

Chainsaws

Blowers

Front end loaders

Job description

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid? Onsite

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number NC1182026

Working Title

Working Title Grounds Equipment Operator

Department Org

Department Org 553000 - Grounds Maintenance

Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work! At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development.

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary
• health and wellness incentives
• access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family
• free gym membership
• equipment rentals

Position Summary

The Grounds Equipment Operator is responsible for operating light equipment and maintenance and service of equipment used in the upkeep of grounds and facilities. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operates equipment, such as tractors, mowers, weed eaters, edges, chainsaws, blowers, trimmers and other grounds equipment. Operates trucks, tractors, pumps, compressors, small cranes, rollers, graders, small concrete mixers, front end loaders, small backhoes, truck mounted core drills and other mechanized equipment. Checks, services and assists in making minor and emergency adjustments and repairs in the field and in the repair shop. Performs preventive maintenance and services equipment by cleaning, filling with gas, changing oil, greasing and sharpening blades as needed, and performing minor repairs. Assists with grounds and landscaping by maintaining flower beds, mowing lawns, trimming shrubbery, pruning trees, sodden lawns, and picking up and removing litter. Transports visitors, clients, students, and agency/institution officials to and from appointments. Moves equipment from one location to another. May pick up and deliver office equipment, furniture, supplies, equipment parts, and other items or assists other trade shops as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the operation and safety procedures of various types of construction and maintenance equipment. Knowledge of operations and procedures and of the proper use of mechanized equipment. Ability to operate and analyze problems in the operation and performance of routine maintenance on various types of equipment. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions and explanations and demonstrations. Ability to maintain simple records of operation and maintenance schedules.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• Ability to make sound judgments.
• Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Civility in all interactions.
• Demonstrate effective follow-up.

Required Education and/or Experience

Completion of sufficient education or training to read and write, including one year of experience in the operation, adjustment, and maintenance of equipment. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND /OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS , EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS , UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE .

Preferred Education and/or Experience

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas. Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Desired start date 10/01/2026

Position Summary and Qualifications

License(s)/Certifications

Physical Demands Checklist

Kneeling, Standing, Balancing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking

Physical Exertion

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date

Open Date 09/22/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/29/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Supplemental Questions

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